Fire Action Notices in Sheltered Housing with Stay Put Strategy

[Suttonfire]

As set out in the Specialised Housing guide, in purpose-built sheltered housing properties, we would expect there to be a stay put policy which applies to persons in their flats (with domestic LD1 detector coverage in place); whilst there would be a fire alarm system (including call points and control panel etc) in the common areas.

I've come across differing views concerning the types of Fire Action Notices which should be displayed.

I note that Appendix 8 of the guidance gives a suggested notice for this type of block; which I feel would be appropriate to display in a communal lobby/communal notice board etc, but when displaying notices above the call points in the common areas , I have typically recommended that a simple standard 'Sound alarm, call the emergency services, evacuate, assemble etc' is displayed. The reason being that if someone in the common areas decides to manually raise the communal alarm, they need to see concise information about the actions to be taken (rather than having to filter through the instructions to persons in their flats).

I than usually recommend that a full 'stay put' notice could be displayed on the back of the entrance doors (or an alternative agreed location) within each flat.

Any thoughts on, issues with the approach which I have outlined? Thanks

[nearlythere]

It would be very difficult to advise anyone to stay put now a days. To me if they hear a fire warning signal they will probably up and go. If they don't they won't.

[Suttonfire]

My post is based on a scheme adopting a strategy in line with current approved guidance.

[colin todd]

The idea of notices is not that they read them at the time of a fire., but that they become familiar with them before there is a fire.  Notices on the backs of doors will not stay there- it is the private home of a person, not an institution.  Would you have one on the front door of Sutton towers.

[Suttonfire]

I would like to be clear when recommending where Fire Action Notices should be displayed, and different types which are appropriate. My thoughts were that the Appendix 8 style notice displayed on notice boards/communal entrance lobbies etc works (and discussed with residents rather than displayed in flats).

But what about Fire Action Notices above fire alarm call points throughout the common areas (within which the stay put guidance does not apply - and the equipment may be operated by visitors/contractors)? My understanding is that the intention of these signs is to clearly set out instructions to to the person who operates the equipment, i.e. Break glass to sound alarm and evacuate...etc, so would not need to set out the whole 'stay put' procedure.

[nearlythere]

To me it is preferable to provide all tenants with written guidance and instructions on the emergency procedure in the form of a tenant fire safety handbook. Signs on walls are there to walk past, not to stop and read.

[Suttonfire]

Agreed that there are various approaches which can be taken to providing residents with guidance.

What I am really trying to get at is the information which should be displayed on signs above the fire alarm call points within the common areas, i.e. should it be a typical notice which sets out instructions on how to operate the alarm etc as I have described above.

[nearlythere]

Does a manual means of providing a warning of fire and stay put fit together?

[Suttonfire]

The Fire Alarm system would be in the common areas/ancillary rooms etc.

The communal system would not sound in the residents' flats. They are supposed to have their own domestic LD1 systems, and would stay put only when in their flats and not affected  (not if they are in the common areas when the communal alarm sounds).

This is as it is set out in the  recent Specialised Housing guide.

[William 29]

The notices in the common areas (above call points) should relate to when you hear the alarm in the common areas, i.e. evacuate.

Residents should be made aware that unless the fire alarm is sounding in their flat, they should be safe to stay put, UNLESS fire or smoke threatens their flat or they are informed to evacuate by the Fire Service.

[Suttonfire]

Exactly how I see it  - based on current guidance.